Sleep paralysis is a very real phenomenon characterized by a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. The number of People who suffer from it will surprise you.
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep, and it is a frightening experience for those who go through it. During sleep paralysis, a person may be fully conscious and aware of their surroundings, but they are unable to move their body voluntarily or make any vocalizations.
How Many People Suffer From Sleep Paralysis?
The prevalence of sleep paralysis varies among different populations and studies. It’s important to note that sleep paralysis is influenced by various factors, such as cultural beliefs and practices, sleep quality, quality of your mattress and the presence of sleep disorders.
Based on available research, the estimated prevalence of sleep paralysis ranges from 5% to 60% in the general population. This wide range reflects the variability in reported rates across different studies and geographic regions.
Here are a few examples of reported prevalence rates:
- A systematic review of various studies on sleep paralysis reported a median prevalence of 7.6% across the studies reviewed. The prevalence ranged from 0.3% to 66.7% in individual studies. (Sharpless & Barber, 2011)
- Another study that focused on university students in Italy found a prevalence of 16.8% for isolated sleep paralysis, and 8.3% for sleep paralysis accompanied by hallucinations. (Cirignotta et al., 1998)
- A study from Japan reported a prevalence of 31.9% for sleep paralysis among college students. (Fukuda et al., 1987)
In some cultures, sleep paralysis is interpreted as a paranormal or supernatural experience, which can affect how individuals perceive and report their experiences.
Additionally, the prevalence of sleep paralysis may be higher in certain populations with a higher incidence of sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. Individuals with narcolepsy are more likely to experience sleep paralysis as it is one of the symptoms associated with the disorder.
What Can You Do If You Suffer From Sleep Paralysis?
If you are concerned about experiencing sleep paralysis or its frequency, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist for a proper evaluation and guidance. They can help determine if there are any underlying sleep issues that you may need to address.
Can A Quality Mattress Help With Sleep Paralysis?
While a quality mattress, like the Carico Ultra Tech Platinum Mattress, alone cannot directly treat or prevent sleep paralysis, it can play a supportive role in improving overall sleep quality and comfort, which indirectly helps some individuals cope with sleep paralysis episodes. Sleep paralysis is primarily associated with the sleep-wake transition and muscle atonia during REM sleep, rather than the mattress itself.
So, it makes sense that having a comfortable and supportive mattress will contribute to better sleep hygiene, which is essential for promoting good sleep and reducing factors that may trigger sleep disturbances, including sleep paralysis. Here are some ways a quality mattress can indirectly help with sleep paralysis:
1. Proper Alignment and Support: A high-quality mattress can provide proper support to the spine, helping to maintain a neutral sleeping position. This alignment is essential for individuals with sleep apnea, as it can reduce the risk of airway obstruction and improve breathing during sleep.
All Carico Mattresses have a patented design that provides your body with more support where it needs it the most. This means that your body is in an orthopedically correct position, which helps maintain open airways.
2. Pressure Relief: Quality mattresses often have features such as memory foam or latex, which can provide pressure relief to sensitive areas of the body. Pressure relief is essential for individuals with sleep apnea, as it can prevent discomfort and encourage staying in a comfortable sleeping position throughout the night.
All Carico Mattresses are designed with multiple layers of support that provides the correct support, whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach.
3. Reduced Tossing and Turning: A comfortable mattress reduces the need for frequent tossing and turning during the night, promoting more uninterrupted sleep. For individuals with sleep apnea, fewer disturbances during sleep can help improve the quality of rest.
4. Movement Isolation: All Carico Mattresses are designed with materials that reduce motion transfer. This is beneficial for individuals who share a bed with someone, as it minimizes disturbances caused by your partner’s movements, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
5. Temperature Regulation: All Carico Mattresses are engineered with cooling properties, which helps regulate body temperature during sleep. Maintaining a comfortable sleep environment can contribute to better sleep quality for individuals with sleep apnea by reducing the need to adjust your body in search of a comfortable cool place to sleep.
6. Allergen Resistance: All Carico Mattresses are made with hypoallergenic materials, which benefit individuals with respiratory issues like allergies or asthma. Reducing exposure to allergens promotes better breathing and overall sleep quality.
It’s important to note that while the Carico Ultra Tech Platinum Mattress can have a positive impact on sleep quality and overall sleep comfort, it is not a replacement for seeking medical evaluation and guidance for managing sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis may be associated with other sleep disorders or medical conditions, and consulting with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist is essential to identify any underlying issues and determine the best course of action for managing sleep-related concerns.
If you are experiencing frequent or distressing episodes of sleep paralysis, please seek medical evaluation to rule out any underlying sleep disorders or medical conditions and receive appropriate guidance on managing your sleep health.
Need More Information About Sleep Paralysis?
1. Muscle Atonia: Sleep paralysis is associated with muscle atonia, a natural process that occurs during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, while the body’s muscles are temporarily paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams and causing injuries.
Citation: Takeuchi, T., Miyasita, A., Inugami, M., & Fukuda, K. (1992). Isolated sleep paralysis elicited by sleep interruption. Sleep, 15(3), 217-225. doi: 10.1093/sleep/15.3.217 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1621022/
2. Hallucinations: Sleep paralysis is often accompanied by vivid hallucinations, which can feel very real and sometimes terrifying. These hallucinations are known as hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations, depending on whether they occur while falling asleep or waking up, respectively.
Citation: tuCheyne, J. A. (2003). Sleep paralysis and the structure of waking-nightmare hallucinations. Dreaming, 13(3), 163-179. doi: 10.1023/B:DREM.0000003148.97009.79, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2003-07499-005
3. Sleep-Wake Transition: Sleep paralysis typically occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep or from sleep to wakefulness. It can happen either when a person is just falling asleep (hypnagogic sleep paralysis) or just waking up (hypnopompic sleep paralysis).
Citation: Sharpless, B. A. (2016). Exploding head syndrome and sleep paralysis. In M. J. Thorpy & G. Plazzi (Eds.), Parasomnia and other sleep-related movement disorders (pp. 243-250). Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9781107478901.019, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Exploding-head-syndrome%3A-clinical-features%2C-about-a-Sharpless-Denis/3434d4235168edb2cf7d8c199f09759da91a369a
4. Triggers: Sleep paralysis can be triggered by various factors, including sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, sleep disorders (such as narcolepsy), stress, and certain medications.
Citation: Denis, D., French, C. C., & Gregory, A. M. (2018). A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 38, 141-157. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.04.002, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735779/
5. Duration: Episodes of sleep paralysis usually last for a few seconds to a few minutes. While it can be distressing, it is generally not considered harmful, and the paralysis naturally resolves on its own.
Citation: Sharpless, B. A., & Barber, J. P. (2011). Lifetime prevalence rates of sleep paralysis: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 15(5), 311-315. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2011.01.007, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-18161-005
6. Prevention and Coping: Improving sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, managing stress, and avoiding excessive caffeine and stimulants can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis. Understanding the phenomenon and its non-harmful nature can also help individuals cope with the experience.
Citation: Jalal, B., & Hinton, D. E. (2015). Sleep paralysis among Egyptian college students: Association with anxiety symptoms (PTSD, trait anxiety, pathological worry). Transcultural Psychiatry, 52(2), 232-258. doi: 10.1177/1363461514557588, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Sleep-Paralysis-Among-Egyptian-College-Students%3A-Jalal-Hinton/bddf4f285216a57063d6533c327594aca51d16e1